MYTHS & FACTS
MYTH
Colorado Springs will lose federal funding or see military bases leave.
FACTS
California, home to several major military bases such as Naval Base San Diego and Fort Irwin, legalized recreational marijuana in 2016.
Despite this, there has been no significant movement of military operations out of the state.
The same applies to Virginia, Washington, Connecticut, and 21 other states which have legalized recreational marijuana for years while maintaining their military presence and federal support.
Also, the proposed rescheduling of marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III by the Department of Justice signals growing acceptance of cannabis and could lead to reduced regulatory restrictions.
MYTH
The legalization of recreational marijuana will harm the City by increasing crime, hurting businesses, and straining government services.
FACTS
Evidence from cities that have legalized recreational marijuana shows the opposite.
A regulated cannabis market helps reduce crime by displacing the illicit market, boosts local economies through job creation and increased revenue, and supports government services with significant tax contributions.
A regulated environment also provides safer products and better age restriction enforcement, as well as promotes responsible use through education.
MYTH
Allowing recreational marijuana will lead to increased use among the youth.
FACTS
Numerous studies have shown no increase in teen marijuana use following legalization.
MYTH
Recreational marijuana leads to mental illness including psychosis.
FACTS
There is no conclusive evidence that cannabis causes long-term changes in the brain associated with altered behaviors
While rare, cannabis-induced psychosis mainly affects those with pre-existing mental conditions or genetic predispositions.
A comprehensive 2022 study found that there are fewer than 0.1% of marijuana users experienced psychotic symptoms requiring medical intervention.
A regulated market with education and safer products offers better support to at-risk populations than an uncontrolled black market.
MYTH
Once marijuana is easily accessible, people might be more likely to try harder drugs.
FACTS
A robust body of clinical research has shown that cannabis is not a gateway drug.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse, which previously supported the gateway theory, has ultimately acknowledged that “the majority of people who use cannabis do not go on to use other, ‘harder’ substances.”
Concerns over gateway drugs should instead focus on nicotine and alcohol, which have clearer links to further drug experimentation and dependence.
MYTH
Recreational marijuana stores will attract homeless people and drug addicts from other states.
FACTS
Colorado State University’s study on poverty and homelessness demonstrates that cannabis legalization is not linked to an increase in poverty.
Additionally, according to Cathy Alderman, vice president of communications at the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, the primary drivers of homelessness in Colorado are rising housing costs, utility expenses, and the overall cost of living, not marijuana availability.
For example, in 2016, Black Hills Energy disconnected utilities from over 7,000 homes in Pueblo, making it one of the leading causes of homelessness in the area.
MYTH
FACTS
While some funds are allocated to regulating the industry and addressing public safety issues, this is only a fraction of the total revenue
Recreational marijuana sales are projected to generate $10-15 million in additional tax revenue annually, which would fund important community programs such as public safety, mental health services, and PTSD treatment for veterans in Colorado Springs.
MYTH
Medical marijuana will be taxed at a higher rate and become more expensive.
FACTS
Pricing is primarily driven by supply and demand: fewer stores lead to higher prices.
Colorado has maintained the state’s standard 2.9% sales tax for medical marijuana since its legalization. There has been no indication that this will change with the introduction of recreational sales, ensuring continued affordability for medical users.
MYTH
Allowing recreational cannabis sales will diminish the quality of care or product selection for medical cardholders.
FACTS
Recreational sales can help financially support medical dispensaries, which currently rely solely on medical patients
Colorado medical marijuana sales have fallen by over 40% and 35% of medical dispensary licenses in the city have been surrendered, since 2021.
Conversely, the additional revenue from recreational sales can help dispensaries maintain and even expand their offerings, ensuring that medical patients continue to have access to high-quality products and care.
Without this shift, more dispensaries are likely to close, resulting in reduced product availability, longer wait times, higher pricing and fewer options for medical users.
MYTH
Allowing recreational marijuana sales will lead to long lines and slow service times, as seen in Manitou Springs.
FACTS
Manitou Springs has only two recreational dispensaries. This creates a bottleneck as they are overwhelmed by demand from nearby areas.
Colorado Springs will have sufficient stores to ensure that adults have a variety of options and will not have to wait in long lines.
Also, certain dispensaries designate medical-only registers to ensure timely service for medical patients.